[3D CT of fractures: comparison of volume and surface reconstruction].

PURPOSE

The comparison of volume rendering (VR) and surface rendering (SSD) for demonstrating fractures from spiral-CT data.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Standardized VR and SSD projections were produced from 50 spiral CT scans of 50 consecutive patients with fractures. Appropriate multiplanar reformattings (MPR) were used as the standard.

RESULTS

SSD provided sufficient information in 31/50 cases. Results of VR were not significantly different (33/50). VR was superior in demonstrating 6/7 craniofacial fractures and 3/3 calcaneal fractures. SSD was superior for visualizing 2/3 shoulder fractures and 2/2 elbow fractures.

CONCLUSION

VR is a flexible technique for the depiction of fractures and the assessment of spongiosa and articular surfaces at one setting. SSD is superior in the delineation of small dislocated fragments.